ULFA leaders discuss problems of illegal migrants
Source: The Sangai Express / Agencies

New Delhi, July 09 2012: Senior representatives of the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) have reportedly raised the issue of illegal migrations taking place in Assam with the Central Government.

The Arabinda Rajkhowa-led ULFA Central Committee reportedly informed Union Home Secretary RK Singh that illegal migrations from across the border (from Bangladesh) were causing major settlement problems, which the Central Government needed to address urgently.

The ULFA delegation also discussed the creation of a legislative council with representatives from the district councils and various communities of the State were on the agenda.

Along with the Union Home Secretary, P C Haldar, the interlocutor for the ULFA peace talks was also present.

Both officials were very receptive to the ULFA demands.

They assured of a just and honourable solution to each sensitive matter.

Home Secretary RK Singh said : "The basic issue which has been of utmost concern to them was about the illegal immigration.

We discussed the ways and means to tackle this problem" .

Rajkhowa said: "The outcome (of the talks) was successful and positive.

We raised the issue of illegal immigration and safeguarding the constitutional rights of the indigenous people of Assam.

The Centre was very optimistic regarding the issue.

We hope that they will solve these issues at the earliest" .

According to the sources, the Central Government is taking the Registrar General of India into consideration for solving this sensitive matter.

Illegal migration has been a major issue of concern for the State and the central government and they have been relentlessly working towards curbing it.

The ULFA Central Committee began peace talks with the centre last year.

The government as well as the people of Assam want an early solution to this matter instead of prolonging it.

Namrata Goswami, an expert on northeast affairs, said: "The ULFA leaders are no longer demanding sovereignty.

That's a good point, because that is something that the Government of India cannot deal with, as it is constitutionally unacceptable.

But, the second issue � asking for more autonomy people of Assam in terms of political rights � that could be worked out within the framework of the Constitution" .

The visiting ULFA delegation also demanded development of infrastructure, expediting the release of Anup Chetia, who is currently located in a jail in Bangladesh, and also help in locating the missing ULFA cadres.

The next round of the talks would be held in New Delhi in July but till now there has been no intimation by the ULFA elusive commander-in-chief Paresh Baruah to join the talks.

Comment